For the last couple of months I have found myself thinking some discouraging thoughts and was about to speak it .. or at least write it, but yesterday I listened to a message that brought correction to this way of thinking... So let me share a bit more This last season has been a very difficult one for us , maneuvering through new banking requirements in Canada and some added expenses at the farm.. registering as a "Fund" in Kyrgyzstan which required us to purchase the boys house and green houses rather then renting them, unexpected major renovations at the boys house, New roof on the apartment , and many other unexpected expenses. Our sponsors have been great and every need has been met, but it just feels like I have been asking a lot! Funds came in quickly for the summer camps . but seemed to stall out when we started against the deadline for the Scholarships .. Knowing that the coal drive was rapidly approaching I was getting discouraged .. I started to think that maybe this year we would back out from the coal deliveries . That is always such a huge expense .. upward $30 000.
By this time last year we had already purchased about $8000 worth of coal.. this year the barn is empty.
I want to take a moment to speak some LIFE into this .
Coal deliveries save lives ;
Especially for those who are older or have had unexpected health issues. Winter is harsh. I have seen over and over people simply break down in tears when we arrive with coal .
Coal bring HOPE ;
We don't bring enough coal for the whole winter, but enough to give people HOPE, this is often the encouragement that people need to know that they can make it . faith is the substance of things hoped for !
Coal gives us reason ;
The coal deliveries give us reason to visit and bring encouragement to those who are alone .. we are able to do follow-up through out the winter to make sure people are ok. This creates a trust and a friendship so that when people are in trouble they know that they can reach out to us .
Coal deliveries elevate our standing in the community ;
Smaller remote villages can be a difficult place to live and work , people can be closed off and feel protective. By providing something as important as coal there is a trust in the village built up , and that goes a long way when there are other issues that we may face .
Coal deliveries teach the boys the power of giving :
Through the deliveries the boys see first hand the struggles that people face around them , and learn to have open and caring hearts to reach out to the world around them , teaching them one of the greatest life skills they can have .
These are just a few quick reasons why these coal deliveries are so important , but I guess the most important reason is because God has given us this assignment. and that should be reason enough that we move forward.

This was part of the word I shared last Sunday, It was given to us many years ago in a message from Pastor Shawn Baker when we started the Farm, and has continued to encourage us on this journey
I was reminded about this truth when after the service people came back to our table and things got crazy .. God called in the resources and 80% of the tuitions were covered.
This not only has encouraged and brought some of our kids to tears of joy and relief, but it has cleared the fog from my own mind and given me a fresh recognition God will start calling in the finances to begin purchasing coal. So YES the coal deliveries are back on .
We still have about $1300 to go in scholarships to go but We are not going to dwell on that , We are going to move forward .. What an exciting time this is for us to wait and watch the miracles as God speaks to individuals and begins to call in those finances .. and the greatest part is that you can be a part of this blessing . $80 is enough for one family , and $1000 is enough to purchase a full truck load .
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Coal being delivered in bulk to the farm to be bagged and delivered to those in need |
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The boys bagging coal .. almost 15000 bags last year and they are still smiling |
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Luke services International is one of our biggest supporters with the coal . That's why we are thrilled to emboss the bags with their Logo .. If you or your organization would like to sponsor a truck I would gladly send you a photo with your initials or Logo on some bags being delivered ! This helps people see that their funds have made it to where they were designated. |
I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered Me , and has delivered me from my fears!